Sri Lanka: Sisters-Run School Launches Vocational Program for Hearing-Impaired Youth

A special school run by the Sisters of Perpetual Help has launched a transformative vocational training program aimed at bridging the gap between education and sustainable independence for the hearing-impaired community in Sri Lanka.

Founded in 1935, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf in Ragama, western Sri Lanka, has been a pioneer in specialized education for over 90 years.

The new program, initiated on March 14 in collaboration with Father Samantha’s Workshop and Ceylon Deaf Adventures, moves beyond the traditional classroom setting. It specifically targets students who have completed their G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations (national public exam), equipping them with professional artistic skills, particularly sculpture, to prepare them for the modern workforce.

A holistic vision for the future

For the school’s administration, the mission extends far beyond academic certification. Sr. Sunitha Fernando, the principal, emphasized that the institution’s responsibility covers the “entirety of their lives.” This includes long-term guidance on employment, financial stability, and even marriage, ensuring that graduates are supported as they navigate life’s challenges.

"By fostering independence through art and vocational skills, we aim to help our students express themselves and build meaningful, self-reliant lives,” she said.

Strong community support

The launch was attended by a distinguished group of leaders and advocates, including Sugath Wasantha de Silva, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Council of Visually Handicapped Graduates. As a representative of the differently-abled community, his presence offered encouragement and inspiration to the students.

Renowned singer Bathiya Jayakody and veteran media personality Siripal Wanniarachchi also attended, using their platforms to advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of deaf youth.

The course is directed by Fr. Samantha Thushara, a sculptor, known for his work in art education and community empowerment. He will guide the first batch of 20 students as they begin their journey in professional sculpture.

The school expressed deep gratitude for the support received, particularly from de Silva. “We were deeply honored and humbled by his gracious presence,” a school spokesperson said. “His encouragement means the world to every individual who walked through those doors with a dream.”

As these 20 students begin their training, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf continues to demonstrate that while its students may live in a world of silence, their talent and potential speak volumes.